Devices and methods related to unpowered switching module

ABSTRACT

Devices and methods related to unpowered switching module. A method of forming a switching module can include providing a first input terminal of the switching module; providing a second input terminal of the switching module; and providing an output terminal of the switching module configured to output a radio-frequency (RF) component of an input signal received on the first input terminal or the second input terminal in response to the input signal including a positive direct-current (DC) voltage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/995,641, filed Aug. 17, 2020, entitled “DEVICES RELATED TO UNPOWEREDSWITCHING MODULE,” which is a division of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/044,071, filed Feb. 15, 2016, entitled “UNPOWERED SWITCHINGMODULE,” now U.S. Pat. No. 10,749,487, issued Aug. 18, 2020, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/116,498, filedFeb. 15, 2015, entitled “UNPOWERED SINGLE-POLE MULTI-THROW SWITCH,” thedisclosure of each of which is hereby expressly incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure generally relates to switches, and in particular,relates to single-pole multi-throw (SPMT) switches.

Description of the Related Art

Portable wireless devices may include one or more chipsets that arepartitioned into separate physical modules, each connected to a serialcontrol bus. Controlling a multiplexing RF switch between such modulesmay include powering up a separate module that contains the switch. Itmay also include a separate control command to be written to the moduleto select the desired switch position. In some embodiments, discreteswitch control lines may be present between modules to effectuatemultiplexing. However, the addition of such lines into a chipset mayincrease size and cost of the chipset.

SUMMARY

In accordance with some implementations, the present disclosure relatesto a switching module. The switching module includes a first inputterminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal. The outputterminal is configured to output a radio-frequency (RF) component of aninput signal received on the first input terminal or the second inputterminal in response to the input signal including a positivedirect-current (DC) voltage.

In some embodiments, the switching module can include a first transistorhaving a drain coupled to the first input terminal via a firstcapacitor, a gate coupled to the first input terminal via a firstresistor, and a source coupled to the output terminal. In someembodiments, the switching module can further include a secondtransistor having a drain coupled to the second input terminal via asecond capacitor, a gate coupled to the second input terminal via asecond resistor, and a source coupled to the output terminal.

In some embodiment, the switching module can include a third transistorhaving a drain coupled to the first input terminal, a gate coupled tothe second input terminal via the second resistor, and a source coupledto a ground terminal of the switching module. In some embodiments, theswitching module can further include a fourth transistor having a draincoupled to the second input terminal, a gate coupled to the first inputterminal via the first resistor, and a source coupled to the groundterminal.

In some embodiments, the switching module can include a third capacitordisposed between the gate of the first transistor and the groundterminal of the switching module. In some embodiments, the switchingmodule can further include a fourth capacitor disposed between the gateof the second transistor and the ground terminal.

In some embodiments, the switching module can include a fifth transistorhaving a drain coupled to the first input terminal, a gate coupled tothe bias voltage output, and a source coupled to the ground terminal. Insome embodiments, the switching module can further include a sixthtransistor having a drain coupled to the second input terminal, a gatecoupled to the bias voltage output, and a source coupled to the groundterminal.

In some embodiments, the switching module can include circuitry havingan output coupled to the output terminal. In some embodiments, thecircuitry can include a controller configured to selectively provide abias voltage via the bias voltage output. In some embodiments, thecontroller can include a power converter to convert a battery voltage tothe bias voltage.

In some embodiments, the circuitry can include a directional couplerhaving a first output coupled to the output terminal. In someembodiments, the circuitry can include a power amplifier coupled aninput of the directional coupler. In some embodiments, the circuitry caninclude a transmit/reflect switch disposed between the first output ofthe directional coupler and the output terminal and disposed between asecond output of the directional coupler and the output terminal.

In some embodiments, a first input signal received on the first inputterminal or the second input terminal can be shorted to a groundterminal in response to a second input signal received on the other ofthe first input terminal or the second input terminal including apositive direct-current (DC) voltage.

In some embodiments, the switching module can include a third inputterminal and the output terminal can be configured to output aradio-frequency (RF) component of an input signal received on the thirdinput terminal in response to the input signal including a positivedirect-current (DC) voltage.

In some implementations, the present disclosure relates to atransmission module. The transmission module includes a directionalcoupler disposed between a radio-frequency (RF) input terminal and aradio-frequency (RF) output terminal. The transmission module includes adirect-current (DC) component configured to generate a DC voltage. Thetransmission module further includes a coupler terminal configured tooutput a combination of the DC voltage and an RF output of thedirectional coupler.

In some embodiments, the transmission module can include atransmit/reflect switch disposed between a first RF output of thedirectional coupler and the coupler terminal and disposed between asecond RF output of the directional coupler and the output terminal.

In some embodiments, the DC component can be implemented in a controllerconfigured to control the transmit/reflect switch. In some embodiments,the DC component can include a power converter configured to generatethe DC voltage from a received battery voltage.

In some implementations, the present disclosure relates to a wirelessdevice including a transceiver configured to generate a first inputradio-frequency (RF) signal. The wireless device includes a firstfront-end module (FEM) in communication with the transceiver. The firstFEM includes a first packaging substrate configured to receive aplurality of components. The first FEM further including a firsttransmission system and a switching module implemented on the firstpackaging substrate. The first transmission system is configured toamplify the first RF signal. The switching module has a first inputterminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal configured tooutput a radio-frequency (RF) component of an input signal received onthe first input terminal or the second input terminal in response to theinput signal including a positive direct-current (DC) voltage. Thewireless device includes a first antenna in communication with the firstFEM. The first antenna is antenna configured to transmit the amplifiedfirst RF signal.

In some embodiments, the transmission system can further include adirectional coupler having an output coupled to the output terminal.

In some embodiments, the wireless device can further include a secondFEM module in communication with the transceiver. The second FEM caninclude a second packaging substrate configured to receive a pluralityof components. The second FEM can further include a second transmissionsystem configured to amplify a second RF signal received from thetransceiver. The wireless device can further include a second antenna incommunication with the second FEM. The second antenna can be configuredto transmit the amplified second RF signal. The second FEM module canhave a coupler terminal configured to output a combination of a DCvoltage and an RF output of a directional coupler coupled to the secondantenna. The coupler terminal (of the second FEM) can be coupled to thefirst input terminal (of the first FEM).

For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantagesand novel features of the inventions have been described herein. It isto be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may beachieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention.Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner thatachieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taughtherein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taughtor suggested herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a wireless communication configuration including multipletransmission modules.

FIG. 2 shows that in some embodiments, a wireless communicationconfiguration can include a switching module without a power terminal ora control terminal.

FIG. 3 shows that in some embodiments, a switching module may not have apower terminal or a control terminal.

FIG. 4 shows that in some implementations, a switching module can beimplemented in a powered module that includes additional functions.

FIG. 5 shows that in some embodiments a module can include atransmission module and a switching module.

FIG. 6 shows that in some embodiments, a transmission module can outputan RF coupler signal with a DC bias.

FIG. 7 shows that in some embodiments, a wireless communicationsconfiguration can include a base module and multiple companion modules.

FIG. 8 depicts a module having one or more features as described herein.

FIG. 9 depicts a wireless device having one or more features describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

The headings provided herein, if any, are for convenience only and donot necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the claimed invention.

Described herein is a technique for a single-pole multi-throw RF switchwithin an unpowered module to actively switch RF signals from activecompanion modules to a single RF output. In embodiments describedherein, a control command and associated control software may be unusedor eliminated. In embodiments described herein, the module containingthe multiplexing switch may not be powered up or digitally controlled.Further, embodiments disclosed herein may not include discrete switchcontrol lines between modules.

FIG. 1 shows a wireless communication configuration 100 includingmultiple transmission modules 110, 120. Each of the transmission modules110, 120 has an input terminal 111, 121 for receiving a radio-frequency(RF) input signal for transmission via an antenna 114, 124. Each of thetransmission modules 110, 120 includes a power amplifier 115, 125 foramplifying the input signal. The amplified input signal (referred to asthe output signal) is output via an output terminal 112, 122 andtransmitted via the antenna 114, 124.

Each of the transmission modules 110, 120 also includes a directionalcoupler 116, 126 between the power amplifier 115, 125 and the outputterminal 112, 122. The directional coupler 116, 126 provides ameasurement of the signal transmitted via the antenna 114, 124 (referredto as the transmitted signal) and a measurement of the signal reflectedfrom the antenna 114, 124 (referred to as the reflected signal). Both ofthese measurements are provided to a transmit/reflect (T/R) switch 117,127 which selects one of those measurements to be output via a couplerterminal 113, 123.

The coupler terminals 113, 125 of the transmission modules 110, 120 arecoupled, via respective transmission lines 141, 142, to respective inputterminals 131, 132 of a switching module 130. The switching module 130includes a first input terminal 131, a second input terminal 132, and anoutput terminal 133. Based on a control signal received via a controlterminal 135, the switching module 130 provides, as an output signal atthe output terminal 133, either the signal received at the first inputterminal 131 or the second input terminal 132.

The switching module 130 further has a power terminal 134 for receivinga DC voltage to power the switching module 130. The DC voltage can be,for example, a battery voltage (e.g., from a battery) or a supplyvoltage (e.g., from a power supply). The DC voltage may be used, forexample, to bias one or more transistors within the switching module.

Each of the transmission modules 110, 120 can also have a power terminal(not shown) for receiving power to power the transmission module.

To control the switching module 130, the switching module 130(containing a multiplexing RF switch) is powered up, e.g., receivespower via the power terminal 134, and a control signal is provided toselect the desired input (e.g., via the control terminal 135). Poweringthe switching module 130 can undesirably reduce battery life. Further,generating and transmitting the control signal can undesirably beperformed at the cost of associated control software.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, a wireless communication configurationincludes a switching module that is not powered via a power terminal orcontrolled via a control terminal.

FIG. 2 shows that in some embodiments, a wireless communicationconfiguration 200 can include a switching module without a powerterminal or a control terminal. Like the wireless communicationconfiguration 100 of FIG. 1 , the wireless communication configuration200 of FIG. 2 includes two transmission modules 210, 220. Although thewireless communication configuration 200 of FIG. 2 includes twotransmission modules 210, 220, it is to be appreciated that otherwireless communication configurations can include three or moretransmission modules.

Each of the transmission modules 210, 220 has an input terminal 211, 221for receiving a radio-frequency (RF) input signal for transmission via arespective antenna 214, 224. Each of the transmission modules 210, 220includes a power amplifier 215, 225 for amplifying the input signal. Theamplified input signal (referred to as the output signal) is output viaan output terminal 212, 222 and transmitted via the antenna 214, 224.

Each of the transmission modules 210, 220 also includes a directionalcoupler 216, 226 between the power amplifier 215, 225 and the outputterminal 212, 222. The directional coupler 216, 226 provides ameasurement of the signal transmitted via the antenna 214, 224 (referredto as the transmitted signal) and a measurement of the signal reflectedfrom the antenna 214, 224 (referred to as the reflected signal). Both ofthese measurements are provided to a transmit/reflect (T/R) switch 217,227 which selects one of those measurements to be output via a couplerterminal 213, 223.

Also output via the coupler terminal 213, 223 is a positive DC voltageprovided by a DC component 218, 228 (e.g., a DC voltage greater than athreshold, such as a transistor biasing threshold). Thus, the output atthe coupler terminal 213, 223 is combination of a positive DC voltageand an RF output of the directional coupler 216, 226 (e.g., a RFmeasurement of the transmitted or reflected signal).

The coupler terminals 213, 223 of the transmission modules 210, 220 arecoupled, via respective transmission lines 241, 242, to respective inputterminals 231, 232 of a switching module 230. The switching module 230includes a first input terminal 231, a second input terminal 232, and anoutput terminal 233. Unlike to switching module 130 of FIG. 1 , theswitching module 230 of FIG. 2 does not include a control terminal or apower terminal. The switching module 230 of FIG. 2 outputs the RFcomponent of the signal received at the first input terminal 231 whenthe signal received at the first input terminal 231 includes a positiveDC voltage and outputs the RF component of the signal received at thesecond input terminal 232 when the signal received at the second inputterminal 232 includes a positive DC voltage.

Thus, without receiving power or a control signal (except the positiveDC voltage on either the first input terminal 231 or the second inputterminal 232), the switching module 230 outputs the RF component ofeither the signal received at the first input terminal 231 or the secondinput terminal 232.

Thus, the wireless communication configuration 200 can output, via theoutput terminal of the switching module 230, a measurement of thetransmitted signal or the reflected signal of the first transmissionmodule 210 without powering the second transmission module 220 or theswitching module 230. Similarly, the wireless communicationconfiguration 200 can output, via the output terminal of the switchingmodule 230, a measurement of the transmitted signal or the reflectedsignal of the second transmission module 220 without powering the firsttransmission module 210 or the switching module 230.

The measurement of the transmitted signal and/or reflected signal fromeither of the transmission modules 210, 220 can be provided to abaseband system to, for example, control the transmission power, controlthe amount of radiated power, or tune an antenna tuner.

FIG. 3 shows that in some embodiments, a switching module 300 may nothave a power terminal or a control terminal. The switching module 300 ofFIG. 3 may be used, for example, in the wireless communicationconfiguration 200 of FIG. 2 to perform the switching functions describedabove.

The switching module 300 has a first input terminal 301, a second inputterminal 302, and an output terminal 303. The switching module 300further has a ground terminal 304 for coupling to a ground potential.The switching module 300 does not include a power terminal for receivingpower to power the switching module 300. The switching module 300 doesnot include a control terminal for receiving a control signal to selectbetween outputting the signal from the first input terminal 301 or thesecond input terminal 302. Rather, as described above, the switchingmodule 300 outputs the RF component of the signal received on either thefirst input terminal 301 or the second input terminal 302 based onwhether a positive DC voltage is received at the first input terminal301 or the second input terminal 302. In particular, when the signalreceived at the first input terminal 301 includes a positive DC voltage,the switching module 300 outputs (at the output terminal 303) the RFcomponent of the signal received at the first input terminal 301.Similarly, when the signal received at the second input terminal 302includes a positive DC voltage, the switching module 300 outputs (at theoutput terminal 303) the RF component of the signal received at thesecond input terminal 302.

The switching module 300 includes a first transistor 321 coupled betweenthe first input terminal 301 and the output terminal 303. The firsttransistor has a drain coupled to the first input terminal 301 via afirst capacitor 331, a gate coupled to the first input terminal via afirst resistor 341, and a source coupled to the output terminal 303.Although the first transistor 321 is described herein as a field-effecttransistor (FET), it will be understood that the first transistor 321(and other transistors described herein) may be implemented with othertypes of transistors, such as bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) (e.g.,heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs)). Similarly, the use ofparticular terms, such as “gate”, “drain”, or “source” should not betaken to imply a particular transistor type, and should be consideredinterchangeable with other terms (such as “base”, “collector”, or“emitter”) typically used to refer to other types of transistors.

The switching module 300 includes a second transistor 322 coupledbetween the second input terminal 302 and the output terminal 303. Thesecond transistor has a drain coupled to the second input terminal 302via a second capacitor 332, a gate coupled to the second input terminal302 via a second resistor, and a source coupled to the output terminal303.

The switching module 300 includes a third transistor 323 coupled betweenthe first input terminal 301 and the ground terminal 304. The thirdtransistor 323 has a drain coupled to the first input terminal 301, asource coupled to the ground terminal 304 via a termination resistor343, and a gate coupled to the second input terminal 302 via the secondresistor 342. The switching module includes a fourth transistor 324coupled between the second input terminal 302 and the ground terminal304. The fourth transistor 324 has a drain coupled to the second inputterminal 302, a source coupled to the ground terminal 304 via thetermination resistor 343, and a gate coupled to the first input terminal301 via the first resistor 341.

The gate of the third transistor 323 and the gate of the fourthtransistor 324 are each coupled to the ground terminal 304 via arespective capacitor 333, 334. In some implementations, a leak resistor(not shown) can couple the output terminal 303 and the ground terminal304. The resistance of the leak resistor can be, for example, 5 kilohms.

When the signal received at the first input terminal 301 include apositive DC voltage, the positive DC voltage passes through the firstresistor 341 to bias the first transistor 321. With the first transistor321 biased, the RF component of the signal received at the first inputterminal 301 passes through the first transistor 321 to the outputterminal 303. Also, the positive DC voltage biases the fourth transistor324 to terminate the second input terminal 302 via a groundedtermination resistor 343, usually 50 ohms. Similarly, when the signalreceived at the second input terminal 302 includes a positive DCvoltage, the positive DC voltage passes through the second resistor 342to bias the second transistor 322 and allow the RF component to passthrough to the output terminal 303. Also, the positive DC voltage biasesthe third transistor 323 to terminate the first input terminal 301 viathe grounded termination resistor 343.

Thus, the output terminal 303 is configured to output an RF component ofan input signal received on the first input terminal 301 or the secondinput terminal 302 in response to the input signal including a positiveDC voltage. In some implementations, the switching module 300 caninclude additional input terminals (e.g., a third input terminal), andthe output terminal 303 can be configured to output an RF component ofan input signal received on one of the additional input terminals (e.g.,the third input terminal) in response to the input signal including apositive DC voltage. Further, a first input signal received on the firstinput terminal 301 or the second input terminal 302 is terminated viathe grounded termination resistor 343 in response to a second inputsignal received on the other of the first input terminal 301 or thesecond input terminal 302 including a positivie DC voltage.

Thus, the switching module 300 includes a plurality of input terminals301, 302 and an output terminal 303 configured to output aradio-frequency (RF) component of an input signal received on one of theplurality of input terminals in response to the input signal including apositive direct-current (DC) voltage.

FIG. 4 shows that in some implementations, a switching module 430 can beimplemented in a module 400 that includes additional functions. Themodule 400 includes circuitry 490 and a switching module 430 that sharean output terminal 403. The circuitry 490 has a power terminal 405 forreceiving power (e.g., as a battery voltage or supply voltage) to powerthe module 400. In some embodiments, the circuitry 490 provides a biasvoltage (Vb) to the switching module 430. The circuitry 490 generates anoutput signal that can be output from the module 400 via the outputterminal 403.

Like the switching module 330 of FIG. 3 , the switching module 430includes a first transistor 421 coupled between a first input terminal401 and the output terminal 403. The first transistor 421 has a draincoupled to the first input terminal 401 via a first capacitor 431, agate coupled to the first input terminal via a first resistor 441, and asource coupled to the output terminal 403. The switching module 430includes a second transistor 422 coupled between the second inputterminal 402 and the output terminal 403. The second transistor 422 hasa drain coupled to the second input terminal 402 via a second capacitor432, a gate coupled to the second input terminal 402 via a secondresistor, and a source coupled to the output terminal 403.

The switching module 430 includes a third transistor 423 coupled betweenthe first input terminal 401 and the ground terminal 404. The thirdtransistor 423 has a drain coupled to the first input terminal 401, asource coupled to the ground terminal 404 via a termination resistor443, and a gate coupled to the second input terminal 402 via the secondresistor 442. The switching module 430 includes a fourth transistor 424coupled between the second input terminal 402 and the ground terminal404. The fourth transistor 424 has a drain coupled to the second inputterminal 402, a source coupled to the ground terminal 404 via thetermination resistor 443, and a gate coupled to the first input terminal401 via the first resistor 441.

The gate of the third transistor 423 and the gate of the fourthtransistor 424 are each coupled to the ground terminal 404 via arespective capacitor 433, 434. In some implementations, a leak resistor(not shown) can couple the output terminal 403 and the ground terminal404. The resistance of the leak resistor can be, for example, 5 kilohms.

The switching module 430 includes fifth transistor 451 coupled betweenthe first input terminal 401 and the ground terminal 404. The fifthtransistor 451 has a drain coupled to the first input terminal 401, asource coupled to the ground terminal 404 via the termination resistor443, and a gate coupled to a bias voltage output of the circuitry 490.The switching module 430 includes a sixth transistor 452 coupled betweenthe second input terminal 402 and the ground terminal 404. The sixthtransistor 452 has a drain coupled to the second input terminal 402, asource coupled to the ground terminal 404 via the termination resistor443, and a gate coupled to the bias voltage output of the circuitry 490.

When the module 400 is unpowered, e.g., no power is supplied to thepower terminal 405, the module 400 acts as the switching module 300 ofFIG. 3 . Thus, when the signal received at the first input terminal 401(or second input terminal 402) includes a positive DC voltage, thepositive DC voltage passes through the first resistor 441 (or secondresistor 442) to bias the first transistor 421 (or second transistor422) and allow the RF component to pass through to the output terminal403.

When the module 400 is powered, the circuitry 490 provides a biasvoltage to the gates of the fifth transistor 451 and sixth transistor451 and the output of the circuity 490 is output via the output terminal403.

FIG. 5 shows that in some embodiments a module 500 can include atransmission module 590 and a switching module 430. The module 500includes the switching module 430 as described above with respect toFIG. 4 . The module 500 further includes circuitry in the form of atransmission module 590 (similar to the transmission module 110 asdescribed above with respect to FIG. 1 ).

The transmission module 590 has an RF input terminal 506 for receiving aRF input signal for transmission via an antenna coupled to an RF outputterminal 507. The transmission module 590 includes a power amplifier 581for amplifying the RF input signal. The amplified RF input signal(referred to as the RF output signal) is output via the RF outputterminal 507 to be transmitted via an antenna.

The transmission module 590 also includes a directional coupler 582between the power amplifier 581 and the RF output terminal 507. Invarious implementations, the directional coupler 582 is a bi-directional(or dual-directional) coupler. Thus, the directional coupler 582provides a measurement of the signal transmitted via an antenna(referred to as the transmitted signal) and a measurement of the signalreflected from the antenna (referred to as the reflected signal). Bothof these measurements are provided to a transmit/reflect (T/R) switchwhich selects one of those measurements to be output via the outputterminal 403 of the module 500.

The T/R switch includes a first reverse transistor 561 having a draincoupled to a first output of the directional coupler 582 and a sourcecoupled to the output terminal 403. The T/R switch includes a secondreverse transistor 562 having a drain coupled to a second output of thedirectional coupler 582 and a source coupled to the ground terminal 404via a resistor 543.

The T/R switch includes a first forward transistor 563 having a draincoupled to the first output of the directional coupler 582 and a sourcecoupled to the ground terminal 404 via the resistor 543. The T/R switchincludes a second forward transistor 564 having a drain coupled to thesecond output of the directional coupler 582 and a source coupled to theoutput terminal 403.

When the first reverse transistor 561 and second reverse transistor 562are biased on with a positive reverse voltage Vr, such as 2.5 V (and thefirst forward transistor 563 and second forward transistor 564 are notbiased, the measurement of the reflected signal is connected through thefirst reverse transistor 561 to the output terminal 403 and the oppositeside of the directional coupler 582 is terminated through thetermination resistor 543.

Similarly, when the first forward transistor 563 and second forwardtransistor 564 are biased on with a positive forward voltage Vf, such as2.5 V (and the first reverse transistor 561 and second reversetransistor 562 are not biased, the measurement of the transmitted signalis connected through the second forward transistor 564 to the outputterminal 403 and the opposite side of the directional coupler 582 isterminated through the termination resistor 543.

The bias voltage (Vb), reverse voltage (Vr), and forward voltage (Vf)can be generated from a battery voltage (Vbatt) or a supply voltage(Vcc) received via the power terminal 505. To that end, the transmissionmodule can include a power converter.

FIG. 6 shows that in some embodiments, a transmission module 600 canoutput an RF coupler signal with a DC bias. The transmission module 600has an RF input terminal 606 for receiving a RF input signal fortransmission via an antenna coupled to an RF output terminal 607. Thetransmission module 600 includes a power amplifier 681 for amplifyingthe RF input signal. The amplified RF input signal (referred to as theRF output signal) is output via the RF output terminal 607 to betransmitted via an antenna.

The transmission module 600 also includes a directional coupler 682between the power amplifier 681 and the RF output terminal 607. Thedirectional coupler 682 provides a measurement of the signal transmittedvia an antenna (referred to as the transmitted signal) and a measurementof the signal reflected from the antenna (referred to as the reflectedsignal). Both of these measurements are provided to a T/R switch whichselects one of those measurements to be output via a coupler terminal603 of the transmission module 600.

The T/R switch includes a first reverse transistor 661 having a draincoupled to a first output of the directional coupler 682 and a sourcecoupled to the coupler terminal 603 (via a capacitor 644). The T/Rswitch includes a second reverse transistor 662 having a drain coupledto a second output of the directional coupler 682 and a source coupledto a ground terminal 604 (which is to be coupled to ground potential)via a resistor 643.

The T/R switch includes a first forward transistor 663 having a draincoupled to the first output of the directional coupler 682 and a sourcecoupled to the ground terminal 604 via the resistor 643. The T/R switchincludes a second forward transistor 664 having a drain coupled to thesecond output of the directional coupler 682 and a source coupled to thecoupler terminal 603 (via the capacitor 631).

When the first reverse transistor 661 and second reverse transistor 662are biased on with a positive reverse voltage Vr, such as 2.5 V (and thefirst forward transistor 663 and second forward transistor 664 are notbiased, the measurement of the reflected signal is connected through thefirst reverse transistor 661 to the coupler terminal 603 and theopposite side of the directional coupler 682 is terminated through thetermination resistor 643.

Similarly, when the first forward transistor 663 and second forwardtransistor 664 are biased on with a positive forward voltage Vf, such as2.5 V (and the first reverse transistor 661 and second reversetransistor 662 are not biased, the measurement of the transmitted signalis connected through the second forward transistor 664 to the couplerterminal 603 and the opposite side of the directional coupler 682 isterminated through the termination resistor 643.

The transmission module 600 includes a DC bias generator 618 thatgenerates a DC bias voltage (Vb) that is provided to the couplerterminal 603 via a resistor 644. The capacitor 631 and the resistor 644form an RC combiner that combines the RF coupler measurement signal withthe DC bias voltage for output via the coupler terminal 603.

The bias voltage (Vb), reverse voltage (Vr), and forward voltage (Vf)can be generated from a battery voltage (Vbatt) or a supply voltage(Vcc) received via the power terminal 605. To that end, the transmissionmodule can include a power converter.

FIG. 7 shows that in some embodiments, a wireless communicationsconfiguration 700 can include a base module 730 and multiple companionmodules 710, 720. The wireless communications configuration 700 is shownto be a specific example of the wireless communication configuration 200of FIG. 2 in which the base module 730 is substantially similar to themodule 500 of FIG. 5 and each of the companion modules 710, 720 issubstantially similar to the transmission module 600 of FIG. 6 .

Thus, the base module 730 includes a first transistor 721 coupledbetween a first input terminal 701 and a coupler terminal 703. The firsttransistor 721 has a drain coupled to the first input terminal 701 via afirst capacitor 731, a gate coupled to the first input terminal 701 viaa first resistor 741, and a source coupled to the coupler terminal 703.The base module 730 includes a second transistor 722 coupled between thesecond input terminal 702 and the coupler terminal 703. The secondtransistor 722 has a drain coupled to the second input terminal 702 viaa second capacitor 732, a gate coupled to the second input terminal 702via a second resistor 742, and a source coupled to the coupler terminal703.

The switching module 730 includes a third transistor 723 coupled betweenthe first input terminal 701 and a ground terminal 704. The thirdtransistor 723 has a drain coupled to the first input terminal 701, asource coupled to the ground terminal 704 via a termination resistor743, and a gate coupled to the second input terminal 702 via the secondresistor 742. The switching module 730 includes a fourth transistor 724coupled between the second input terminal 702 and the ground terminal704. The fourth transistor 724 has a drain coupled to the second inputterminal 702, a source coupled to the ground terminal 704 via thetermination resistor 743, and a gate coupled to the first input terminal701 via the first resistor 741.

The gate of the third transistor 723 and the gate of the fourthtransistor 724 are each coupled to the ground terminal 704 via arespective capacitor 733, 734. In some implementations, a leak resistor(not shown) can couple the coupler terminal 703 and the ground terminal704. The resistance of the leak resistor can be, for example, 5 kilohms.

The base module 730 includes fifth transistor 751 coupled between thefirst input terminal 701 and the ground terminal 704. The fifthtransistor 751 has a drain coupled to the first input terminal 701, asource coupled to the ground terminal 704 via the termination resistor743, and a gate coupled to a bias voltage output of a controller 791that selectively provides a bias voltage via the bias voltage output.The base module 730 includes a sixth transistor 752 coupled between thesecond input terminal 702 and the ground terminal 704. The sixthtransistor 752 has a drain coupled to the second input terminal 702, asource coupled to the ground terminal 704 via the termination resistor743, and a gate coupled to the bias voltage output of the controller791.

The base module 730 has an RF input terminal 706 for receiving a RFinput signal for transmission via an antenna 714 coupled to an RF outputterminal 707. The base module 730 includes a power amplifier 781 foramplifying the RF input signal. The amplified RF input signal (referredto as the RF output signal) is output via the RF output terminal 707 tobe transmitted via the antenna 714.

The base module 730 includes a directional coupler 782 between the poweramplifier 781 and the RF output terminal 707. The directional coupler782 provides a measurement of the signal transmitted via the antenna 714(referred to as the transmitted signal) and a measurement of the signalreflected from the antenna 714 (referred to as the reflected signal).Both of these measurements are provided to a T/R switch which iscontrolled by the controller 791 to output one of these measurements viathe coupler terminal 703 of the base module 730.

The T/R switch includes a first reverse transistor 761 having a draincoupled to a first output of the directional coupler 782 and a sourcecoupled to the coupler terminal 703. The T/R switch includes a secondreverse transistor 762 having a drain coupled to a second output of thedirectional coupler 782 and a source coupled to the ground terminal 704via a resistor 744.

The T/R switch includes a first forward transistor 763 having a draincoupled to the first output of the directional coupler 782 and a sourcecoupled to the ground terminal 704 via the resistor 744. The T/R switchincludes a second forward transistor 764 having a drain coupled to thesecond output of the directional coupler 782 and a source coupled to thecoupler terminal 703.

When the base module 730 is powered (e.g., by voltage supplied to thepower terminal 704) and the first reverse transistor 761, the secondreverse transistor 762, the fifth transistor 751, and the sixthtransistor 752 are biased (e.g., by the controller 791), the measurementof the reflected signal is output via the coupler terminal 703. When thebase module 730 is powered and the first forward transistor 763, thesecond forward transistor 764, the fifth transistor 751, and the sixthtransistor 752 are biased, the measurement of the transmitted signal isoutput via the output terminal.

The fifth transistor 751 and the sixth transistor 752 can be biased by abias voltage (Vb) generated by the controller 791. The first reversetransistor 761 and the second reverse transistor 762 can be biased by areverse voltage (Vr) generated by the controller 791. The first forwardtransistor 763 and the second forward transistor 764 can be biased by aforward voltage (Vf) generated by the controller 791. The bias voltage(Vb), reverse voltage (Vr), and forward voltage (Vf) can be generatedfrom a battery voltage (Vbatt) or a supply voltage (Vcc) received viathe power terminal 705. To that end, the controller 791 can include apower converter to convert a battery voltage to the bias voltage,reverse voltage, and/or forward voltage.

When the base module 730 is unpowered, e.g., no power is supplied to thepower terminal 705, and a signal received at the first input terminal701 (or second input terminal 702) includes a positive DC voltage, thepositive DC voltage passes through the first resistor 741 (or secondresistor 742) to bias the first transistor 721 (or second transistor722) and allow the RF component to pass through to the coupler terminal703. The signal received at the first input terminal 701 (or the secondinput terminal 702) can include the transmitted signal or reflectedsignal of the companion modules 710, 720 as described below.

Each of the companion modules 710, 720 has an RF input terminal 806, 906for receiving a RF input signal for transmission via an antenna 814, 914coupled to an RF output terminal 807, 907. Each of the companion module710, 720 includes a power amplifier 881, 981 for amplifying the RF inputsignal. The amplified RF input signal (referred to as the RF outputsignal) is output via the RF output terminal 807, 907 to be transmittedvia the antenna 814, 914.

Each of the companion modules 710, 720 also includes a directionalcoupler 882, 982 between the power amplifier 881, 981 and the RF outputterminal 807, 901. The directional coupler 882, 982 provides ameasurement of the signal transmitted via the antenna 814, 914 (referredto as the transmitted signal) and a measurement of the signal reflectedfrom the antenna 814, 914 (referred to as the reflected signal). Both ofthese measurements are provided to a T/R switch which is controlled by acontroller 891, 991 to output one of these measurements via a couplerterminal 803, 903 of the companion module 710, 720.

The T/R switch includes a first reverse transistor 861, 961 having adrain coupled to a first output of the directional coupler 882, 982 anda source coupled to the coupler terminal 803, 903 (via a capacitor 844,944). The T/R switch includes a second reverse transistor 862, 962having a drain coupled to a second output of the directional coupler882, 982 and a source coupled to a ground terminal 804, 904 (which is tobe coupled to ground potential) via a resistor 843, 943.

The T/R switch includes a first forward transistor 863, 963 having adrain coupled to the first output of the directional coupler 882, 982and a source coupled to the ground terminal 804, 904 via the resistor843, 943. The T/R switch includes a second forward transistor 864, 964having a drain coupled to the second output of the directional coupler882, 982 and a source coupled to the coupler terminal 803, 903 (via thecapacitor 831, 931).

Each of the companion modules 710, 720 includes a resistor 944 thatcouples a bias voltage output of the controller 891, 991 and the couplerterminal 803, 903. The capacitor 831, 931 and the resistor 844, 944 forman RC combiner that combines the RF coupler measurement signal with theDC bias voltage for output via the coupler terminal 803, 903.

When one of the companion modules 710, 720 is powered (e.g., by voltagesupplied to a power terminal 805, 905) and the first reverse transistor861, 961 and the second reverse transistor 862, 962 are biased (e.g., bythe controller 891, 991), the measurement of the reflected signal isoutput (with a DC bias voltage) via the coupler terminal 803, 903. Whenone of the companion module 710, 720 is powered and the first forwardtransistor 863, 963 and the second forward transistor 864, 964 arebiased, the measurement of the transmitted signal (with a DC biasvoltage) is output via the coupler terminal 803, 903.

The first reverse transistor 761 and the second reverse transistor 762can be biased by a reverse voltage (Vr) generated by the controller 791.The first forward transistor 763 and the second forward transistor 764can be biased by a forward voltage (Vf) generated by the controller 791.The bias voltage (Vb), reverse voltage (Vr), and forward voltage (Vf)can be generated from a battery voltage (Vbatt) or a supply voltage(Vcc) received via the power terminal 805, 905. To that end, thecontroller 891, 991 can include a power converter.

The coupler terminal 803 of the first companion module 710 is coupledvia a transmission line to the first input terminal 701 of the basemodule. The coupler terminal 903 of the second companion module 720 iscoupled via a transmission line to the second input terminal 702 of thebase module 710. The coupler terminal 703 of the base module can becoupled to a baseband system for processing as described above (e.g.,power management and antenna tuning).

Thus, the wireless communications configuration 700 allows formeasurements of the transmitted signal and reflected signal of the firstcompanion module 710 to be output from the coupler terminal 703 of thebase module 710 by powering the first companion module 710 and withoutpowering the second companion module 720, the base module 710, or aseparate switching module. Similarly, the wireless communicationsconfiguration 700 allows for measurements of the transmitted signal andreflected signal of the second companion module 720 to be output fromthe coupler terminal 703 of the base module 710 by powering the secondcompanion module 720 and without powering the first companion module720, the base module 710, or a separate switching module. Measurementsof the transmitted signal and reflected signal of the base module 710can be output from the coupler terminal 703 of the base module 710without powering the companion modules 710, 720 or a separate switchingmodule.

FIG. 8 shows that in some embodiments, some or all of wirelesscommunications systems (e.g., those shown in FIGS. 1-7 ) can beimplemented, wholly or partially, in a module. Such a module can be, forexample, a front-end module (FEM). In the example of FIG. 8 , a module1000 can include a packaging substrate 1002, and a number of componentscan be mounted on such a packaging substrate. For example, an FE-PMICcomponent 1004, a power amplifier assembly 1006, a match component 1008,and a duplexer assembly 1010 can be mounted and/or implemented on and/orwithin the packaging substrate 1002. The power amplifier assembly 1006may include a switching module 1007 such as those described above withrespect to FIGS. 1-7 . Other components such as a number of SMT devices1014 and an antenna switch module (ASM) 1012 can also be mounted on thepackaging substrate 1002. Although all of the various components aredepicted as being laid out on the packaging substrate 1002, it will beunderstood that some component(s) can be implemented over othercomponent(s).

In some implementations, a device and/or a circuit having one or morefeatures described herein can be included in an RF device such as awireless device. Such a device and/or a circuit can be implementeddirectly in the wireless device, in a modular form as described herein,or in some combination thereof. In some embodiments, such a wirelessdevice can include, for example, a cellular phone, a smart-phone, ahand-held wireless device with or without phone functionality, awireless tablet, etc.

FIG. 9 depicts an example wireless device 1100 having one or moreadvantageous features described herein. In the context of a modulehaving one or more features as described herein, such a module can begenerally depicted by a dashed box 1000, and can be implemented as, forexample, a front-end module (FEM).

Referring to FIG. 9 , power amplifiers (PAs) 1120 can receive theirrespective RF signals from a transceiver 1110 that can be configured andoperated in known manners to generate RF signals to be amplified andtransmitted, and to process received signals. The transceiver 1110 isshown to interact with a baseband sub-system 1108 that is configured toprovide conversion between data and/or voice signals suitable for a userand RF signals suitable for the transceiver 1110. The transceiver 1110can also be in communication with a power management component 1106 thatis configured to manage power for the operation of the wireless device1100. Such power management can also control operations of the basebandsub-system 1108 and the module 1000.

The baseband sub-system 1108 is shown to be connected to a userinterface 1102 to facilitate various input and output of voice and/ordata provided to and received from the user. The baseband sub-system1108 can also be connected to a memory 1104 that is configured to storedata and/or instructions to facilitate the operation of the wirelessdevice, and/or to provide storage of information for the user.

In the example wireless device 1100, outputs of the PAs 1120 are shownto be matched (via respective match circuits 1122) and routed to theirrespective duplexers 1124. Such amplified and filtered signals can berouted to an antenna 1116 through an antenna switch 1114 fortransmission. In some embodiments, the duplexers 1124 can allow transmitand receive operations to be performed simultaneously using a commonantenna (e.g., 1116). In FIG. 9 , received signals are shown to berouted to “Rx” paths (not shown) that can include, for example, alow-noise amplifier (LNA).

A number of other wireless device configurations can utilize one or morefeatures described herein. For example, a wireless device does not needto be a multi-band device. In another example, a wireless device caninclude additional antennas such as diversity antenna, and additionalconnectivity features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.

As described herein, one or more features of the present disclosure canprovide a number of advantages when implemented in systems such as thoseinvolving the wireless device of FIG. 9 . For example, the disclosedembodiments may accomplish switch control with minimal input/output(I/O) between modules. As another example, RF and DC control may becarried on the same conductor. As another example, no additionalsoftware commands or discrete I/O are required to control themultiplexing switch.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” The word “coupled”, as generally usedherein, refers to two or more elements that may be either directlyconnected, or connected by way of one or more intermediate elements.Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similarimport, when used in this application, shall refer to this applicationas a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Wherethe context permits, words in the above Description using the singularor plural number may also include the plural or singular numberrespectively. The word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items,that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: anyof the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and anycombination of the items in the list.

The above detailed description of embodiments of the invention is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, theinvention are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention,as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, whileprocesses or blocks are presented in a given order, alternativeembodiments may perform routines having steps, or employ systems havingblocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may bedeleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified. Each ofthese processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of differentways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as beingperformed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performedin parallel, or may be performed at different times.

The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to othersystems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements andacts of the various embodiments described above can be combined toprovide further embodiments.

While some embodiments of the inventions have been described, theseembodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are notintended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methodsand systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of otherforms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in theform of the methods and systems described herein may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims andtheir equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications aswould fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of forming a switching modulecomprising: providing a first input terminal of the switching module;providing a second input terminal of the switching module; and providingan output terminal of the switching module configured to output aradio-frequency (RF) component of an input signal received on the firstinput terminal or the second input terminal in response to the inputsignal including a positive direct-current (DC) voltage.